CommBank Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy spoke about preparations for the Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 as the team touched down in Melbourne, Florida to commence training.
She said that this window – with only one game in it – created an opportunity for the team to continue to build connections and spend more time together on the training pitch.
“It’s a good opportunity for us to get more sessions together,” she explained.
“When we have the two games, it’s always a quick transition from our clubs into game mode for the Matildas and having to taper into the game, not getting too many tactics under our belt. So to have that training load and opportunity for us to really work on things as a team is good.”
Kennedy has been playing in the FA WSL for Manchester City. She had her game time curtailed through injury at the beginning of the year, but has racked up two 90-minute performances coming into camp.
“It’s invaluable to be around those players and that coaching staff every day, getting better,” she said, with Manchester City currently top of the WSL table.
“It’s always important to test ourselves and I feel like I’m always growing as a footballer at the club. It’s a privilege to be around so many good players, and obviously, that helps with form coming into the national team as well.”
Australia will take on Germany, the United States, and one of Zambia or Morocco in the group stage at the Olympics. Kennedy said that she is looking forward to the contest.
“I think when you look across all the groups, they’re all hard,” she mused. “The margins are so small in women’s football at the moment, so it’s definitely going to be a test every single game.”
The match against Mexico will be invaluable preparation for the group as they continue to build towards Paris.
“I’m looking forward to playing them. They’re obviously a strong team,” Kennedy said of the squad who recently defeated the USWNT in the group stages of the Concacaf W Gold Cup.
“But for us, the focus is really on ourselves and working on our style of play and progressing our game from previous camps – and obviously looking to get a win out of the game as well.”
MATCH DETAILS | APRIL 2024 FIFA WINDOW
Mexico v Australia
Date: Tuesday, 9 April 2024 (local) / Wed, 10 April 2024 (AUS)
Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 10.00am (AEST)
Venue: Toyota Field, San Antonio, TX
Broadcast: Paramount ANZ
Tickets: ticketmaster.com